Imphal, June 8 -- Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said the demand for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before conducting the Census in Manipur was "genuine," while stressing that dialogue remains the only effective way to resolve the ongoing crisis and restore lasting peace in the state.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a condolence ceremony for a senior journalist held at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, Biren Singh described the prevailing situation in the state as "very unfortunate" and expressed concern over the continuing violence and loss of lives.

"Whatever the problems and issues are, they can be sorted out only through dialogue. Only through dialogue can peace be brought in any cr...